To The Reader’s Forum:

Come on Jamestown.

In response to The Post-Journal’s recent editorial concerning the Department of Development’s new Code Violation laws, I offer the following thoughts.

I am definitely in favor of the new law that a Code enforcement officer is able issue fines to residents that do not comply with the regulations of the City Code. Jamestown has laws concerning upkeep of properties. Enforcing these laws is a long process. People who receive violations ignore them. Letters are sent giving time for compliance. If the violation is not taken care of, a court appearance ticket is issued. Jamestown only has housing court once a month. If the violator doesn’t show up for court, another attempt is made for their appearance. If residents starting getting fines for violations immediately, word will get out that Jamestown is serious about compliance of City Ordinances and we may see a change in our city. I am in favor of the city authorizing a contractor to eliminate the violation and charge the property owner and/or the tenant. It’s not about making money for the city, it’s a matter of pride in our city.

Front porches and yards are piled with junk. Lawns are not mowed until the grass is 4 inches high. Unregistered vehicles stored on properties is illegal. Cars, trucks and motorcycles are not to be driving over curbs and sidewalks to park on front lawns. It’s against code. Motor cycles parked on sidewalks are a hazard to pedestrians. Building permits are required for sheds, pools and fences because there are restrictions for property line distances and size limits for structures. Swimming pools that are not properly fenced in and installed without knowing the proper regulations are a danger to children.

Jamestown residents, keep your homes neat and clean. If there is litter (discarded papers, remnants from garbage day that blew out of the truck or a can or recycling container) in front of your property, pick it up! When you mow your lawn, don’t leave the excess grass on the sidewalk and in the street; sweep it up. Bush trimmings and tree branches should not be left on the terrace, it’s not the city’s responsibility to pick them up. The BPU has a collection site to discard lawn waste for free. If you cannot get to the site, the BPU sells lawn bags and then picks them up when they are full. It is an embarrassment for those of us who live here and take care of our properties and former residents and their families who come back to visit their hometown. We are trying to draw people to this area for various attractions; people don’t want to come to a town that doesn’t care about the way it looks.

Jamestown